Positive & Negative Space
Amanda Stanton
January 6, 2012
Subject: Art
Grade: 3
Approximate Time: 20 minutes
Outcomes:
Students will be expected to
1.2 use various materials and processes exploring possibilities and limitations
Objectives
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Students will demonstrate an understanding of positive and negative space through
their art work/drawing.

Students will share their artwork with the class
Materials
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Pencils / erasers
Paper (any white paper will do)
Crayons
Introduction
We will begin the lesson by explaining that in Art we will be
looking at drawings with positive and negative space. The teacher
will explain what positive and negative spaces are then provide
some photo examples (see attached).
Negative space in art work is the area around the objects/shap es.
Positive space in art work or pictures is the area that
shapes/objects fill.
The teacher will ask the students to point out the positive and
negative spaces in the pictures. This can be done by using
pictures in a book, personal photo’s, art work, or pictures off the
internet printed or by LCD projector. Students will remain in their
seats for the lesson.
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Questions about the pictures
1. What objects do you see in the pictures ? What color are the objects (positive
spaces)?
2. What colors are the negative spaces (background) around the objects in
each piece of art work?
3. How does the empty space in each artwork help make the objects stand out?
Once the teacher feels that the students have the concept of positive and negative
space the Art activity will be explained. Students will hand out the materials
(paper). The teacher will have examples of the drawings/artwork they will be
creating on the board. For example one will be a large drawing of an apple, large
drawing of a tree and a small incorrect drawing of a heart. This will provide 2
examples of correct drawings and one example of an incorrect drawing. Discuss
why the incorrect drawing is not a good representation of negative space.
Blog with great examples
http://artfunforall.blogspot.com/2011/03/second -art-class.html
Activity
We are going to create a simple drawing with positive and negative space. Outline for the
students what you mean by a simple drawing. Provide or brainstorm some idea’s of simple
objects they can draw. The simple drawing should be the outline of something like a tree or an
ice cream cone but contain no detail. Examples of simple objects could be a heart, an apple, a
star, shapes, etc. Following the instructions is very important.
Instructions
1) Take the paper and fold it into 2 equal parts. The folds can be either horizontal or
vertical. (teacher models folding and the students follow)
2) Keep the paper folded
3) Draw a large shape/object on either side of the line but do not add any detail. Only the
outline of an object
4) Use Crayons to color the negative spaces only.
5) Open the paper.
6) How do the negative spaces help you see the shapes that you drew?
Wrap-Up
Students will share their art work with their classmates at the front of the class.
Enrichment
When Students have completed the drawing and coloring of the negative space in their
artwork they will be given an additional task. Pick a color for the positive space in their
drawing. The color they chose must be a complimentary color to the color they chose for the
negative space in their drawing. See picture attached of scissors attached for an example of
complimentary color. Complimentary color use would have to been taught previously for the
students to have some background knowledge. EX: If the background (negative space of the
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picture) is yellow, the complimentary color for the object (positive space) would be purple. If
the background in the drawing is orange, the complementary color for the object would be
blue.
Assessment
Assessment will be based on the art work and observation. I will be looking at the art work to
see if students have followed instructions. I should be able to tell from looking at their art work
whether they understand the concept of positive and negative spaces by the way they colored
the
Adaptations
Teacher will help keep certain students on task. This lesson meets all styles of learning.
References
http://artfunforall.blogspot.com/2011/03/second-art-class.html
Reflection
For the most part the lesson went well. The concept of positive and negative space was
a little confusing at first for the students as I anticipated. There are several things I will change
if I do this lesson in the future.
I would change the type pf pictures I select. I would select single photo’s not double
photo’s that show positive space and the other photo next to it showing negative space. I
would also change the order I show the photos. For example I would start with a very simple
and clear photo representing one concept (negative space) then show another photo which
has a clear representation of the other concept (positive space).
After the students have completed their art drawing I would show them an interesting
picture such as the picture of the pillar but also has the profile of 2 male faces to show the
students how an artist used the 2 concepts of positive and negative spaces to create an
interesting piece of art.
Making sure the concept is explained in simple language such as positive space in
artwork is the picture or object and Negative space in artwork is extra space. Write a brief
definition on the board (positive= object) and (Negative= extra space) for the students to refer
to.
I think it would also be a good idea to run through the presentation a few times with
someone before I taught it. Sometimes when you say something aloud you realize it did not
sound as good as it did in your mind. You may also catch areas that you may need to work on
before teaching the lesson. When giving instructions I will be sure to keep better track of time
to ensure students will have more hands on time with the art activity.
Check in with the students who need extra support but do not allow them to monopolize
my time because the other students in the class may also need my help and guidance. In the
future I will check in with the needy student(s), give simple instructions, tell them I will be back
but to go ahead and get started. This allows me to check in with other students, answered
questions or hand out crayons to students waiting.
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